When it comes to adding powerful, room-shaking bass to your home audio system, few upgrades make as dramatic a difference as a quality subwoofer. Today we're comparing two very different options: the premium SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) and the budget-friendly Klipsch Reference R-120SW ($265). While both aim to deliver deep bass, they take remarkably different approaches in terms of technology, performance, and value.
Before diving into specifics, let's understand what makes a great subwoofer. A subwoofer's job is to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies - those deep bass notes you feel as much as hear. Think thunderous explosions in action movies, the lowest notes of a pipe organ, or the deep thump of electronic music.
The key factors that determine a subwoofer's performance include:
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents SVS's latest flagship subwoofer, released in late 2023. It's a technological tour de force that showcases what's possible when cost isn't the primary constraint.
At its heart is a massive 17-inch driver - that's significantly larger than typical home subwoofers. What makes this driver special is its dual 8-inch voice coils (the parts that move the speaker cone). This design allows for better control and higher power handling than traditional single-coil designs.
The amplifier delivers an astounding 2,800 watts RMS (RMS means sustained power, not just brief peaks). To put this in perspective, that's about 14 times more continuous power than the Klipsch. This massive power reserve means the SVS can reproduce even the most demanding bass passages without breaking a sweat.
The PB17-Ultra includes several cutting-edge features:
I've had the chance to demo the PB17-Ultra in both large and medium-sized rooms, and its capabilities are remarkable. In movies, explosions and other effects have genuine impact and authority. Music reproduction is equally impressive - pipe organs and electronic bass notes are reproduced with a clarity and depth that many subwoofers simply can't match.
The Klipsch R-120SW takes a more modest approach, focusing on delivering good performance at an accessible price point. It's been a popular choice since its release, offering respectable bass extension and output without breaking the bank.
The R-120SW uses a 12-inch front-firing driver powered by a 200-watt amplifier. While these specifications might seem modest compared to the SVS, they're well-matched to each other and can deliver satisfying bass in small to medium-sized rooms.
Key features include:
In real-world use, the R-120SW performs admirably for its price point. It can handle most music and movie content well, though it won't deliver the same extreme low-frequency extension or output capability as the SVS. Bass notes remain clear and controlled until you push it near its limits.
The decision between these subwoofers largely comes down to your specific needs and circumstances.
R-120SW might even be preferable as the PB17-Ultra could overwhelm the space.The price difference is substantial - you could buy almost eleven R-120SWs for the cost of one PB17-Ultra. However, that doesn't mean the SVS isn't worth its price. It's simply aimed at a different market segment where absolute performance takes priority over cost considerations.
For Home Theater:
For Music:
For Apartments:
If you're building a system you plan to keep for many years, the PB17-Ultra represents an investment in long-term satisfaction. Its advanced features and superior performance mean you're less likely to feel the need to upgrade later.
The R-120SW makes more sense as a starter subwoofer or for situations where ultimate performance isn't the primary goal. It's also a good choice if you're unsure about your long-term needs or if you might be moving to a different space soon.
Here's a simple decision framework:
Choose the PB17-Ultra if:
Choose the R-120SW if:
Remember that either subwoofer will add significantly to your listening experience - they just do so at different levels of performance and price points. The key is matching the subwoofer to your specific needs, room, and budget.
Both products represent solid choices in their respective categories. The SVS PB17-Ultra showcases what's possible with modern subwoofer technology when cost is no object, while the Klipsch R-120SW demonstrates how good bass performance can be achieved at a more accessible price point.
| SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) | Klipsch Reference R-120SW ($265) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers can move more air for deeper, louder bass | |
| 17" with dual 8" voice coils (exceptional output) | 12" single voice coil (good for modest rooms) |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output and dynamic capabilities | |
| 2,800W RMS (massive headroom) | 200W RMS (adequate for casual listening) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 14-220Hz ±3dB (subterranean bass) | 29-120Hz ±3dB (typical bass range) |
| Room Size Capability - Indicates ideal space for optimal performance | |
| Large rooms 300-3000 sq ft | Small/medium rooms up to 300 sq ft |
| Cabinet Size - Impacts placement flexibility and WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) | |
| 25"H x 21.7"W x 29.3"D (requires planning) | 16.5"H x 14"W x 19.2"D (easily placed) |
| Advanced Features - Better room integration and performance optimization | |
| App control, room correction, multiple tuning modes | Basic controls, phase switch, auto-on |
| Weight - Indicates cabinet bracing and driver motor strength | |
| 165 lbs (incredibly robust build) | 31 lbs (standard construction) |
| Best Use Case - Where this sub performs best | |
| Dedicated home theater, critical listening | Small rooms, apartments, casual systems |
The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) significantly outperforms the Klipsch R-120SW ($265) for home theater use. Its 17-inch driver and 2,800W amplifier deliver theater-level bass impact and depth that the Klipsch can't match.
Power and capability. The PB17-Ultra offers 14 times more power and can play much deeper bass (down to 14Hz vs 29Hz) compared to the R-120SW. This translates to more impactful movie effects and cleaner bass at high volumes.
The Klipsch R-120SW is more suitable for apartment use due to its smaller size and moderate output. The PB17-Ultra would likely be too powerful and could cause issues with neighbors.
No. While the PB17-Ultra offers superior performance, the R-120SW provides satisfying bass for most casual listeners. The premium model becomes worthwhile for dedicated home theaters or critical listening.
Both perform well with music, but the PB17-Ultra offers better precision and depth. The R-120SW handles most music genres adequately at moderate volumes.
The R-120SW works best in rooms up to 300 square feet, while the PB17-Ultra excels in medium to large rooms (300-3000 square feet).
For serious home theater enthusiasts or those with larger rooms, the PB17-Ultra justifies its cost through superior performance and features. For casual users, the R-120SW offers better value.
Yes, both the PB17-Ultra and R-120SW work with any modern AV receiver through their standard LFE/subwoofer connections.
The PB17-Ultra offers significantly more features, including smartphone app control, room correction, and multiple tuning modes. The R-120SW provides basic controls only.
Both are well-built, but the PB17-Ultra uses higher-grade components and offers a more robust build quality than the R-120SW. Expect 10+ years from the SVS and 5+ from the Klipsch with proper care.
For even bass distribution in larger rooms, dual subwoofers can be beneficial. Two R-120SW units ($530 total) might be a good alternative to one PB17-Ultra for some users, though they won't match its maximum output.
For the ultimate movie experience, the PB17-Ultra is clearly superior, providing deeper, more powerful bass for explosive scenes. However, the R-120SW still delivers enjoyable performance for casual movie watching in smaller spaces.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: svsound.com - skybygramophone.com - abt.com - youtube.com - audioholics.com - listenup.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - svsound.com - worldwidestereo.com - bhphotovideo.com - musicdirect.com - perfectacoustic.co.uk - klipsch.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - easyhometheater.net - d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net - audiolab.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - klipsch.com - klipsch.com
